Hair

39 Easy Summer Hairstyles for When It’s Too Hot to Deal

Easy doesn't have to mean boring.

May 1, 2021

If your repertoire of summer hairstyles ends at high ponies and messy buns, we don't blame you. It's already tough enough to decide what to wear when the weather is nearing triple digits—are we still doing bike shorts this year?—so forget attempting an elaborate hairstyle or breaking out the hot tools.

While you can always count on a topknot, there's a whole world of easy but not boring hairstyles out there that will complement summer nails and strappy sandals. We rounded up a bunch of cute summer hairstyles that take less than 10 minutes; all they require is some clever styling tricks and a few hair accessories—yes, clips, headbands, and anything pearl-encrusted are still very much the vibe for summer 2021.

From embellished box braids to twists on the classic pony, scroll on for the coolest easy summer hairstyles for all hair types and textures. They're not built-in AC, but they're about as close as you can get.

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Pigtail Braids
For instant U.V. protection, add a bucket hat to any hairstyle. Paired with red lips and pigtail braids, it's instant cool.
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Beach Waves
While beachy waves are nothing new, thanks to TikTok, there are tons of new hacks for getting texture without heat. Hairstylist Justine Marjan recommends sleeping in braids, or wrapping your hair around a scarf, socks, or tights. “This helps set your hair in the shape you want without any heat,” she says. “In the morning just remove the braids and add in Tresemmé Texture Dry Finishing Spray for a little added volume.”

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Sleek Knot
Sweep your hair into a sleek bun at the nape of your neck to really show off a pair of statement earrings.
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Pineappled Curls
Summer makes reaching for the flatiron nearly impossible, but according to hairstylist and Amika global artistic director Naeemah LaFond, that's not a bad thing. “Take the opportunity to embrace your natural texture,” she says. One of her favorite summer hairstyles for curls? The pineapple updo. It's one of the easiest ways to toss up curls on blistering days.

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Tendrils
Prom tendrils? Yeah, they're making a comeback too. The trick to making them look more modern is to keep them slightly messy, says Sarah Klein, a hairstylist at L.A.'s Nine Zero One Salon. “Forget the hairspray and perfect spirals and add a little more texture to make it a higher-fashion alternative to the classic 2000s prom updo,” she says.
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Knotless Box Braids
“Knotless braids are more representative of what natural hair looks like when it’s braided without any extensions,” says LaFond. “The braid starts seamlessly at the scalp and continues on the very ends.” Because of this, they are much easier to remove and faster to install than other long braids. They also look supercute with a silk headband.

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Claw Clip
Claw clips were arguably the must-have hair accessory of quarantine—and they aren't exactly going anywhere. Make like Bella Hadid and secure your slick bun with a butterfly-shaped one for an early-aughts vibe.
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Colorful Scarf
Bored of the same bun? A colorful scarf instantly adds a touch of fun.

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Curly Bangs
Add some dimension to curly hair with super-short, face-framing fringe (yes, all hair textures can pull them off).
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Baby Braids
Multiple braids like Margot Robbie's, here, have a more ’70s feel, or you can go for just one on each side for ’90s vibes. Moroccanoil celebrity stylist Bryce Scarlett, who did this Sharon Tate–inspired look on Robbie, says the key to keeping it current is by not being too precious with the style. To get a similar look at home, skip the hair ties, and saturate the end of your braids with hairspray (he likes Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong). Clip the ends while the hairspray is drying (setting clips like these work best), and then remove them right before you head out the door.

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Scarf Braid
Take wrapping a scarf around your braid a step further and actually braid it into your hair. Bonus points if it matches your outfit.
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Cool Clips
Not only do novelty-shaped clips add visual interest, but they're also great for keeping shorter layers out of your face in the heat. Add a pair over colorful sunnies and you're good to go.

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Braided Crown
For a full cottagecore vibe, pair your nap dress with milkmaid braids for your socially distanced picnics. Marjan recommends adding some wave to your hair before braiding (she likes the ghd Classic Curl Iron). Not only will it give you a more boho look, but the texture will help support the style better.
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Cute Bandanna
A classic bandana can save even the worst of hair days (or make good ones better).

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Loose Topknot
“I love a curly, messy bun with curly wispy pieces left out,” says LaFond. “It’s such a pretty style that requires minimal skill.” Zendaya clearly agrees.
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Loaded Braid
Can't decide on what clips to wear? How about all of them.

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Sporty Braid
Add sporty edge to a classic braid by pulling your hair into a high pony before braiding. To get that really sleek look, LaFond says to apply a strong-hold pomade like Amika’s Haute Mess Texture Gloss or Heist Molding Blend, and then wrap a scarf around your hairline and the base of your pony. “The longer you keep it tied down, the more the product will set into the hair and the sleeker the pony will be.” Bonus: It looks extra cool contrasted with a lacy dress.
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Box Braids
Box braids are cool enough on their own, but a couple of braids cuffs take things to the next level.

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Double Braids
Messy French braids keep pigtails from feeling childish. When it comes to mastering French braids, LaFond says it all comes down to plenty of practice. Check out our advice on how to braid hair for more tips.
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Bubble Braids
For a style that's way more complicated than it actually is, just “bubble” your ponytails instead of braiding them—meaning, group your ponytail in small sections with thin elastics, then tug at each section. A few tendrils in the front give it a romantic feel.

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Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs look even cooler in the summer when you let them hang out of a messy bun.
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Adorned Braids and Cornrows
Pearls and shells serve peak summer vibes.

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Mini Puffs
Add aviators and hoops, and you've got a look.
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Comb Headband
You remember this old thing, right? It's back—and better than ever. Pick one up on Amazon and be ready for compliments.

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Woven Braids
Yet another argument for weaving a ribbon through your braid.
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Wrapped Ponytail
Looking for an easy way to spice up a basic pony? Wrap a thin ribbon a few inches around a low ponytail. Stick to a shade that matches your natural hair color to keep it looking sleek, or go with a contrasting color for something edgier.

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Snap Clips
Give the ’90s accessory new life by doubling up on clips right above your ear.
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Oversized Bow
For a high-impact look in under a minute, decorate your pony with an oversized bow.

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Sleek Topknot
When it creeps past 80 degrees, there's nothing like a super-sleek topknot. To keep it things smooth, Marjan recommends adding a generous amount of hairspray at your roots. “This helps control your hair and gives it a sleek and shiny finish when you brush it through,” she says. “I like Tresemmé Micro Mist Extend Hairspray because it’s light enough to provide hold without leaving your hair stiff or crunchy. It’s also helpful to use a smoothing brush to gather your hair.”
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Bauble Braid
Your childhood fave is back, and instantly gives any hairstyle a more playful vibe.

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Ribbon Pony
Chic: a twist of ribbon down the length of your ponytail.
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Pin Party
There is nothing stopping you from piling on rows of embellished bobby pins. This works best with curly hair or protective styles, since the pins will have more grip.

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Braided Pony
Toss your braids into a low pony, add tiny sunnies, head out the door. Easy.
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Scrunchie Top Knot
Step up your half-up game with a cute retro scrunchie and romantic curls.

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Braided Half Up
Nothing says summer like a half-up (or yellow eye shadow for that matter).
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Low Loop
If you have shorter hair, tuck your hair into a loop instead of a bun for a fuller look.